Brighton High School students and staff played a friendly game of basketball with an assist from animals.

Students from the Senior Serve group played the game while riding live donkeys last week.

"It was harder than it looked," said senior and group member Clare Ivers. "But it was definitely worth it."

Six players made up each squad, a mix of selected teachers and Senior Serve students. This is the second year the donkey basketball game has taken place to raise money for the Senior Serve organization.

The seniors the year before heard about the game from Buckeye Donkey Ball in Columbus, Ohio, and thought it would be an easy and fun way to entertain and raise money.

"We had eight to 10 donkeys and helmets, and looked ridiculous," Ivers said. "It was tiring."

Senior Serve is a student club focused on community service. It was created by 2014 Brighton High School graduate Sarah Wood, who wanted to give back to the community.

"We do all sorts of stuff for the community, like cook in kitchens, go to nursing homes and volunteer around the community," Ivers said of the group.

Last month, Senior Serve students lived and volunteered at Cass Community Social Services, a nonprofit in Detroit that helps people overcome homelessness and other problems and get them back on their feet.

The purpose of the game wasn't centered on the entertainment aspect, but more importantly, the donations received. The group raised about $1,100, said Principal Gavin Johnson.

Ivers anticipates the entertaining basketball game will be played again next year.

"It's not something you see every day," Ivers said. "It's funny to watch and see us all struggle to ride the donkey and shoot a ball."

Ivers said Senior Serve was grateful for the amount of money it raised and happy with the support of the school.

"It was a great experience not just for the people playing the game, but for everyone else," Ivers said.

Johnson said the enthusiasm and turnout were amazing.

"I'm so glad it all worked out and they raised as much money as they did because these kids really do deserve it," Johnson said. "I'm proud of them."